News

New Transport Strategy to Get the Northern Beaches Moving

Source: Northern Beaches Council

Posted: 4 Dec 2018

Rapid public transport connections to Chatswood, Macquarie Park and the CBD, more ferries, investment in footpaths and dedicated cycleways, and more walkable towns and villages are on the agenda under the first ever Northern Beaches transport strategy adopted by Council on Tuesday night.

Mayor Michael Regan said the strategy aims to provide real alternatives to help break the community’s reliance on cars.

“Traffic and transport are red hot issues for our community and I’m proud to see the huge support we have from our residents for our plans to finally get our transport woes fixed.

“Our shared vision is to enable movement to, from and within the Northern Beaches using a safe, smart, efficient, integrated and sustainable transport network.

“Not only will this help ease the frustrations on our roads and enable people to spend more time with loved ones but we are aiming for a huge reduction in carbon emissions.”

“We need to do something different to get people to be less reliant on cars and to give them more options for more accessible, frequent and better public transport services.”

The Strategy sets ambitious targets for the Northern Beaches by 2038:

A quarter of all trips by public transport

Double the active travel (walking and cycling) trips

Thirty percent reduction in trips by cars

Thirty percent reduction in carbon emissions from transport

Towards zero deaths on our roads.

Key priorities in the strategy include:

Partner with the NSW Government to implement a Bus Rapid Transit service by 2020 between Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, and Chatswood; followed by services between Mona Vale and Macquarie Park

Expanding the footpath and shared path networks to improve connectivity and safety that make walking and cycling attractive alternatives to the car, providing a safe environment for all users

Support the delivery of the Beaches Link Tunnel with the inclusion of public transport and minimising impacts on local residents

Create and enhance “Places for People” that are integrated with public transport, creating vibrant, connected places with wide footpaths, safe cycling options, and where the car is not the first option

Develop local parking management plans for town and village centres.

Following adoption of the strategy, Council will now activate seven action plans (walk, bike, parking, network, transport, deliver, safety) that will guide the delivery of the strategy and provide guidance for capital investment.

Council’s overarching transport framework came after extensive community engagement.

In April, a Transport Strategy Discussion Paper was released to seek feedback on the community’s aspirations, priorities and vision for how moving around, to and from the Northern Beaches will be achieved in the next 20 years.

More than 2000 submissions were received and there were consultations with local Members of Parliament, key State Government agencies and departments, advocacy groups and community groups.

“It was clear through the entire community engagement process that there was a strong demand for better public transport and more active transport options across our community,” Mayor Regan said.

“A well-functioning and integrated transport network is vital to the Northern Beaches’ future. Being able to travel safely and efficiently supports the liveability and economy of the Northern Beaches.”

Using the feedback from the Discussion Paper, Council developed the draft MOVE strategy which was put on public exhibition in September.

The Strategy contains actions that require substantial financial input from the NSW Government due to the scale of the infrastructure proposed. Council will seek to work in a transparent and collaborative manner with State Government to fulfil the vision of the Strategy.